THE EDDYSTONE DISASTER.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15874, 13 April 1917, Page 8

THE EDDYSTONE DISASTER.

DEATH-ROLL OF 140.

MANY GIRL VICTIMS.

GERMAN SUSPECTS ARRESTED

WASHINGTON. April 11. As a result of the explosion in the Baldwin locomotive and munitions factory at Eddystone. Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 140 persons, of whom the majoritv are girls, are reported dead, and 150 injured. Scores of employees were blown to pieces. In addition to dynamite. 10,000 shrapnel shells exnloded.

It is believed that the explosion was the work of spies. Suspects, including a German sailor, have been arrested. Officials are certain that the oxplosion was not the result of an accident.

There were awful scencs. Girls with their clothes ablaze were blown high into the air, and their mangled remains have been recovered.

Women's bodies were found in heaps inside the building. The occurrenco has caused nationwide horror and anger. There were agonising sccncs at the morgues while relatives were trying to identifv the dead, who were unrecognisable.

THE POLICE VIEW. (Router's Telegrams.) (Received Anril 12th, 7.10 p.m.) NEW YORK, April 11. Officials of the Eddystcne Arcimunitio AVorks are certain that plotters caused the explosion. t The police believe that whoever was responsible was killed in the conflagration. WAR WITH MEXICO. CARRANZA PLANNING HOSTILE ACT. (Renter's Telegram e.) (Received April 13th. 12.50 a.m.) WASHINGTON, April 11. The State Department regards war in the Mexico district a s a possibility. The Department learns that . General Carranza is planning an embargo on Tampico oil, which would constitute a hostile act. ' CUBA'S PART. AN ARMY OF 10,000 MEN. (Received April 13th, 12.50 a.m.) WASHINGTON, April 11. Tho Cuban Government has authorised the raising of an army of 10,000 men to co-operate with tho "United States. MR BALFOUTt TO VISIT AMERICA. FIRST OF A SERIES OF CONFERENCES. UNITED STATES OFFICIALS PLEASED. (Australian and N.Z, Cable Association.) (Received April 13th, 12.50 a.m.) WASHINGTON, April 12. There is 'tho greatest interest in the projected visit of Mr Balfour, Foreign Minister, which is designed to create a better understanding regarding the joint conduct of the war. Officials are pleased that such an | eminent statesman has been-chosen for tho task which .is considered owing to American's attitude to tho alliances. It is felt that Mr Balfour 4 will handle a delicate subject diplomatically. His mission will he the beginning of a- series of conferences between the Allies. Somo newspapers suggest that Mr Balfour may discuss the question of Amcrica agreeing not to make a separate ifeace.